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What are the differences between Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform, and Delusional Disorders.

Schizophrenia is one of the most severe forms of mental illness. The hallmark symptom is loss of contact with reality. This problem causes severe dysfunction in social and occupational settings. Two or more symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and catatonic behavior must be present for a significant portion of a 6 month period.

Schizophreniform disorder is reserved for schixophrenic like psychoses that last at least a month but do not warrant a diagnosis of schizophrenia where a 6 month symptom duration is required. This disorder may contain any of the symptoms that are characteristic of schizophrenia. Prognosis is much better for this disorder.

Delusional disorder is characterised by actions based on beliefs that are completely ubsurd by others. Delusional individuals can function quite normally and behavior is not characteristic of schizophrenia. 

What is meant by positive and negative symptoms of Schizophrenia.  Positive symptoms are those that reflect an excess or distortion of normal behavior. Examples are delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. Negative symptoms reflect an absence or defecit of behaviors that are normally present. Examples are flat emotions, little or no speech, and apathy. More symptoms of the negative nature are closely linked to poor future outcome.

The Deinstitutionalization movement advocates that individuals should be treated in the least restictive environment, which is the prevalent belief and most ethical approach, however, they do not see large state institutions as the least restrictive environment for anyone and that these facilities should be closed. What is your view. I believe that it is most beneficial to treat individuals in settings where they are most comfortable. I feel that a patient can be most productive with treatment if they have interaction with family and everyday items. Placing patients...